we found the best garage doors ever

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We Found The Best Garage Doors Ever – See For Yourself

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Inever thought I’d be this excited to show you the prettiest garage doors ever. When we finally agreed to invest in making our garages better, our goal was to make them functional, but we had very low expectations on how beautiful they would be. Our garages aren’t on a street where neighbors can see (only friends and our trusted FedEx guys would see them), they aren’t part of our curb appeal (not attached to the house), so our goal was “better and basic” (along with “dry, not disgusting, less spiders and mold,” and ultimately way less dangerous). But today we are talking specifically about the doors – what we now call the best garage doors ever. And because I clearly have a disorder where I can’t do anything simply or “without obsessing about how pretty it could be,” therefore I ended up choosing these pretty doors that make me so happy – far happier than predicted.

Before we get into the full post, here is a fun little video (just wait for the ad to play:))

The Before

Here is where we started 5 years ago. We knew we were lucky to have this huge garage at all (right?), but they weren’t in the best shape, and everything needed repair.

We ignored them for a couple of years, finally hiring the most affordable painter in town who was willing to just paint without any prep (a real literal lipstick on a pig situation) because they were such an eyesore after our house was finally done. But we knew they were not in good enough condition to invest in scraping and painting properly. The fresh coat kinda helped, but otherwise we didn’t touch them for another 3 years.

Starting in January, we knew that we needed the storage soon because we wanted to start restoring the original carriage house on the property. We’d need the garages to be our future and permanent storage space for my vintage hoarding and any future product lines (not to mention life and holiday stuff). So we hired my brother’s brand-new company, Afore Construction, to fix them up, and new garage doors were a clear must.

I received multiple word-of-mouth recommendations for Ponderosa, a local (and experienced) garage door installer. I reached out and really loved their customer service, speed, communication style (fast and personal with easy text notifications), and variety of great door products. After telling Ken, the owner, that I wanted carriage-style doors, he suggested we work with a company called Clopay because they are meant to be the best garage doors, with a massive variety of customization and styles (ours are vintage style, but they certainly have very contemporary and modern as well). They range in price, as expected, and ours are more than average, but for our style of property (more historic and antique), we felt we needed to pick something that really aligned with the property. Turns out even though I promised myself “I didn’t care”, more focused on function and speed – turns out I always care, always.

I chose the Canyon Ridge Elements garage doors, and to get all specific about them (should you want to copy them exactly), they are low-maintenance, insulated steel garage doors with composite overlays. We chose Design 22 (how the diagonal lines are designed) with the SQ23 windows (size and configuration style) and had them all painted SW Dutch Tile Blue (they can match any Sherwin-Williams color).

My goodness, are they beautiful. Ponderosa installed them in one day – ONE DAY!! They arrived, a team of 3, and powered through without me having to do a thing. And they were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and just so impressive. 10/10 service. They texted their eta, and were so easy to communicate with, with everything being electronic (so not a lot of annoying contracts and paperwork at the end). They offer a 5-star service program which provides annual maintenance and has the quietest motor (and it’s oddly quiet, not something I thought I’d care about, but it’s really lovely). They are also very hard to break into with high-end steel and mechanisms, which is clearly important.

We added the faux handles and strappings in black to make them look more vintage, working with the farm design of the property. And we wanted windows on top to add natural light inside (and charm).

They had a lot of options for all of these elements, both in style and color (we chose the spear style strap). I literally couldn’t be happier with what we chose and how they turned out – they add such charm and are super high quality. And there is a slightly “faux” wood grain finish to the garage doors that adds a really nice texture, which I was SO relieved looked fantastic in person (I’m always nervous about faux anything, but this is not cheesy, just subtle and nice).

We chose to have each controlled separately, with individual codes, and inside, there are convenient buttons to open and close.

The garage doors on the inside are clean, and the windows add nice natural light. Ponderosa really nailed the execution, and they function so perfectly, quietly, and just so seamlessly (zero annoyance to me and super intuitive to figure out). I wish I had more drama to tell you, more things I wish I had done differently, or lessons I learned. But I have zero regrets or lessons on this one! WAhoo! Just the best garage doors executed perfectly.

We left the last bay open as a carport. It was the original sheep’s barn and was never a garage. But we did this mostly for budget purposes. We saved on not having electrical, simple framing, finishes, and no cement floor (just gravel). It’s super bare bones, which we are fine with (we almost just tore it down, but my brother convinced us to keep it, just not really invest in it). Ultimately, we didn’t need a fifth garage, just a covered carport for Brian’s vintage truck and a great space for messy painting projects. And heck, a future owner might have a boat or something they want to store here (no intent on a future owner, but we always consider all the possibilities).

A few quick and dirty facts:

The doors themselves would typically cost $18k for 4 doors. Choosing a custom Sherwin-Williams paint color adds $10/sq. ft. to the door cost and a few extra weeks. Remember ours were on the higher end, and they have a lot that are much more affordable with fewer design details and general bells and whistles.

The install for these four doors would typically be around $11,340, which covers the cost of the high-end Liftmaster motors, all the elevated, premium parts, and extended warranty that comes with the 5-Star bundle that Ponderosa provides, and of course, the labor to install everything. You get what you pay for, and we are thrilled. You wouldn’t buy the doors separately or anything, but just giving you the breakdown so you understand the overall costs.

The cost didn’t include the new framing and the electrical prep. Since we were fixing our garages, not just changing out the doors, Afore worked with Ponderosa to frame it perfectly and prep all the electrical in advance. Ponderosa measured and ordered the doors after the framed door openings were finished.

NEW FEATURE ALERT! We now have before and after sliders. Just use the arrow toggle button to see the transformation:)

When they arrived, I was oddly delighted by these garage doors, and I remain so happy every time my eye lands on them. The happy blue, the windows, the decorative strappings, and the super smooth, quiet function – truly the best garage doors. I feel extremely lucky and grateful. A huge thanks to Ponderosa for their excellent execution on our doors. Thank you, Clopay, for partnering on these beautiful garage doors, and Afore Construction for doing all the prep work and helping us fix up the garages. Interior reveal coming soon, I promise.

How to Actually Sleep on a Plane—and Wake Up Rested—According to Travel Pros

Sleep can already be a pretty stressful thing for many of us, but sleeping on a plane? Talk about an added degree of difficulty. And it can be pretty crucial to get that sleep. Especially if you decided to take the 4 a.m. flight to avoid delays later in the day or are taking a red eye. Heck, even if you're just trying to catch up on some missed naps, a plane is a good place to get more hours in. The problem is that there's a lot of pressure. It's like the moment you have to go to sleep, you suddenly aren't tired or can't get comfy (and is it OK to recline your seat?). To help, we asked some frequent flyers for their best tips and tricks for mile-high shut-eye. Just Focus on Resting Sometimes the pressure we put on ourselves to fall asleep is precisely the reason we can't. "My advice for sleeping better is to try not to focus so much on the actual sleep," says TV host and travel expert Darley Newman. "Sometimes rest can be good enough." So, next time you're on a red eye, try just enjoying the resting time and seeing what comes of it. Mimic Your Nightly Routine We all have our own agenda of things we need to do before bed. While you might not have your actual bathroom vanity and bed available, you can get pretty close, says travel writer Michelle Joy, "At home, this involves a shower, skin care, and clean pajamas before crawling into bed," she says. "For my scaled down plane version, I brush my teeth, use a wet wipe and moisturize my face, and put on fuzzy socks." Swap Out Your Earbuds "I always bring a blackout sleep mask with built-in Bluetooth speakers—it's much more comfortable than earbuds when falling asleep on a plane, especially on overnight flights," says David Brodie, the founder of Voyascape and host of the Travel in 10 podcast. What should you listen to? Brodie suggests downloading podcasts about the destination you're heading to so you can immerse yourself before you land. Opt for a Window Seat Yes, an exit row or first class would be amazing, but if those pricier tickets aren't in the cards for you, travel journalist Wendy Helfenbaum implores you to get a window seat. "You can lean against the wall, and won’t be woken up by seat mates having to use the loo!" Download a Helpful App Erin Carey, Director of Roam Generation, a PR agency specializing in travel, says one of her biggest tips is to use the Timeshifter app. Download this before jumping on a plane headed to a different time zone and it can help you prep in advance. "It helps you adjust to the new time zone. I follow it's recommendations to a a tee, avoiding caffeine and taking melatonin at the suggested times to help regulate my sleep cycle." So, if you're supposed to be sleeping on a plane to help avoid jet lag, this could help!

This Is the Worst Thing You Can Do to Your Orchid, And You Might Be Doing It Every Day

Are your orchids dying back, refusing to flower, or developing yellow, wrinkled, or mushy leaves and you’re not sure why? Although these symptoms look different to the eye, they may be caused by the same common mistake that plant parents often make when growing orchids. In this guide, a plant pro reveals the number one worst thing for orchids that often causes these plants to fail, and offers expert tips to help orchids grow and bloom better. Meet the Expert Rebecca Finneran is the Grand Ideas Garden director and a retired senior horticultural educator from Michigan State University. The Worst Thing You Can Do to Your Orchid The number one reason why orchids struggle in homes is due to watering stress. “The most common mistake growers make is not overwatering, but watering incorrectly,” says horticulturalist Rebecca Finneran. This includes overwatering, underwatering, watering plants in the wrong way, or simply growing orchids in poorly draining pots or substrate. The good thing is you can prevent most orchid watering problems, and help overwatered and underwatered plants recover faster by understanding orchid growing needs and avoiding a few common watering pitfalls. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! 5 Things You Should Avoid Doing to Your Orchid In the wild, orchids grow as epiphytes and cling to trees using their aerial roots. This unique root structure helps orchids absorb water quickly, but it also make orchids more vulnerable to overwatering and watering stress. This is why it’s so important to water orchids with a careful touch and to avoid these five potential issues when watering. Overwatering Any plant can develop root rot if it sits in soggy soil too long, but orchids are particularly susceptible to overwatering; their roots can rot and turn mushy, slimy, black, or string-like if they aren’t allowed to breathe. To avoid this issue, make sure to grow orchids in well-draining pots, and water them just once every 1 to 2 weeks when the substrate starts to feel dry. Use Clean Water You may want to water with rainwater or distilled water if your tap water contains a lot of chemicals or salts. Underwatering Orchids with root rot often develop yellow or mushy leaves as the rot progress, but underwatering can affect orchids too. “Think about where orchids come from: the rainforest,” Finneran says. “When their leaves are not firm or look like raisins, the plants need a good soak.” Running water through orchid pots should ensure your plants are deeply watered, or you can bottom water your plants. “Take the orchid pot and submerge only the root ball for 1 to 2 hours in a bowl or pan. This allows the fleshy roots to absorb water and will help them immensely,” Finneran says. “I soak all my orchids for one hour a week.” Watering Into the Bud Make sure that you don't water directly into the depression in the center of newly emerging leaves, also known as the orchid "bud." “If you get water into the ‘bud,’ the orchid will rot,” says Finneran. When watering, do your best to direct the flow of water onto the orchid’s aerial roots and let the water run, low and slow, over the plant’s substrate until the water runs through the pot’s drainage holes. Watering With Ice Cubes Plant labels and viral orchid care videos often recommend watering orchids with ice cubes, but Finneran warns against this practice too. “Imagine if you were a tropical plant having ice-cold water on your roots,” says Finneran. That just doesn’t make sense. Instead, use room temperature water when watering orchids, which is less likely to shock their delicate roots. Not Repotting Even if you water orchids correctly, these plants can develop root rot if you keep them in their original store-bought pots; these pots are often lacking in drainage holes and are commonly filled with a dense floral foam or moss-based substrate that keeps orchid roots far too wet. Repotting orchids as soon as you bring them home into pots with drainage holes and bark-based orchid substrate is a quick and easy way to ward against rot and prevent overwatering in the future.

This Is the Next "It" Flower That's Going to Be Everywhere, According to Florists

If you're anything like me, you love filling your home with flowers whenever you get the chance. While roses and tulips are beautiful classics; it never hurts to take notice of trends to potentially find a new floral favorite. We spoke with John Beach, a florist for BloomNation and the COO of Dolce Blooms in Studio City, California, to get some insight on the next mainstream flower for 2026. "I think the protea is going to have a serious moment in 2026," Beach explains. "There’s a growing appreciation for flowers with character—ones that aren’t necessarily “pretty” in the traditional sense, but are striking, wild, or even prehistoric-looking. The protea checks that box.'" Keep reading to learn more about proteas and why they are likely to show up in bouquets and floral arrangements everywhere next year. Meet the Expert John Beach is a florist for BloomNation and the COO of Dolce Blooms in Studio City, California The Next Mainstream Flower for 2026: Protea Proteas are evergreen shrubs that thrive best in hot, dry climates. The blooms are goblet-shaped, featuring a center of fuzzy or tubular flowers surrounded by stiff, spikey bracts. These unique flowers often appear in bold, bright colors and add a striking addition to any floral arrangement. Beach explains why he believes more people will be drawn toward proteas in the upcoming year: "It’s bold, architectural, and makes a statement—perfect for a culture craving individuality and drama in design," Beach says. "As aesthetics keep shifting toward maximalism and texture-driven florals, the protea’s sculptural quality and otherworldly beauty fit the mood." Beach also notes that this flower will be ideal for those who are focused on sustainability. The plant is drought-tolerant, and cut blooms can last for weeks, making it an excellent choice for decorating your home or for special events. If you're looking to make the blooms last even longer, proteas look just as stunning when dried, allowing you to create a memorable keepsake or provide an alternative decorative choice. Boldness and sustainability aren't the only reasons why proteas are capturing designers' attention. The flower's adaptability is also a major upside. "It appeals to both minimalists (as a singular, impactful element) and maximalists (as the star of a colorful, texture-heavy show). It’s also gender-neutral, which is increasingly important for brands and events embracing inclusivity," Beach says. Colors and Types of Protea Flowers to Watch For The protea is one of the oldest known species of plants, and comes in many varieties and colors. While there are many options to choose from, Beach believes that a few will steal the spotlight. "Blush-toned king protea and the golden-orange tones of the pincushion protea are likely to dominate," Beach explains. "Blush continues to reign in wedding palettes, but the golden-orange hues feel fresh and sun-soaked, aligning with the rise of retro, desert, and terracotta tones we’re seeing in fashion and interiors." While king proteas and pincushion proteas are the most well-known varieties, other popular choices include queen proteas, pink ice proteas, and the aptly named "blushing bride" protea. How to Decorate With Proteas Because proteas are such unique, striking flowers, Beach recommends not going overboard when using them to decorate and approaching a less is more mentality. "Treat the protea like a celebrity guest in your arrangement. It doesn’t need a lot of supporting cast to shine," Beach says. For decorating in your home, Beach recommends something simple, like a single stem in a sculptural vase on a coffee table or entryway. This approach creates a significant impact with minimal effort and can work well in any area where you want to draw attention. When decorating for events, Beach recommends clustering them at the center of low bowls or using them as an anchor for larger arrangements. When decorating for a wedding or event, you can get a little more creative with your arrangements. "They also hold up incredibly well in installations like arches or hanging clouds, especially in outdoor or warm settings," Beach says. It's worth noting that proteas are toxic to humans and animals if consumed, so display your arrangements out of reach from children and pets.

6 Travel Hacks That Make Every Vacation Less Stressful

As glamorous and exciting and soul-nourishing as travel can be, we all know that any bon voyage has a few not-so-bon moments. Flights can get delayed (or worse—canceled), the hotel you were so excited about can be a total let down, and your itinerary might leave you tired and, ironically, in need of a vacation. I’ve been lucky enough to have lived abroad and traveled to over 40 countries, and have certainly bounced around the United States quite a bit. Over the years, I’ve figured out ways to create a "soft landing" upon arrival so that even if things don’t go as planned, I’m able to roll with the punches. 01 of 06 I Pack My Essentials in My Carry-On I definitely consider myself a “carry-on only” girl, but there are times you need to check a bag. Like when you’re spending more than a few weeks in a destination, or traversing different climates, or attending a variety of event types in a single trip. I prefer to carry on because I don’t want to deal with lost luggage…something that’s happened to me with a suspicious frequency. For a calm mind and worst-case scenarios, I always pack my essentials in my carry-on—the things I absolutely need the first few days of travel (it often takes airlines 24 to 72 hours to return your misplaced bag). This includes any important clothing for events, toiletries, a change of underwear, chargers, electronics, valuables, etc. 02 of 06 I Work in "No Alarm Clock" Days We can all laugh at the travel memes featuring sunrise go-getters versus laid-back dilly-dalliers. I happily fall somewhere in between, largely because I swear by the “no alarm clock” approach while traveling. While I like to pack a ton into my day, the reality is that I’m on vacation. My body deserves to rest, and a rested body and mind have way more fun in the long run. If that means sleeping in until 10 a.m. and having a lazy brunch in my hotel room and not venturing outside until noon on a few days, that’s a win in my book. 03 of 06 I Arrive a Day Earlier Than Necessary This one I learned by proxy. Early in my travel days, I had a trip booked to Ireland with a connection somewhere on the East Coast from Phoenix. The first flight was delayed a few hours, and me and a family, all heading to Ireland, nervously twiddled our thumbs and hoped we wouldn’t miss the connection. We all ran through the airport together to literally watch our plane pull back from the gate without us, and ended up on the same flight a full 24 hours later. They unfortunately had a cruise scheduled within a day of landing, and had a mess of a time figuring that one out. Now, I always add a buffer day or two to ensure I don’t miss a cruise departure, important event, booked concert, tour, etc. 04 of 06 I Create a "Must See" List of Restaurants and Attractions Itineraries are great, but there’s a rigidity to them that doesn’t feel like a vacation to me. (Also, it puts you at risk of an over-packed schedule.) I mean, if it’s a business trip, then an itinerary is essential, but otherwise it’s nice to have a little spontaneity to drop by a cute boutique, swing by for some gelato, or linger a little longer at your previous destination. That said, I also don’t like to show up without any sort of plan. My happy medium is to research cool restaurants, cafes, museums, and attractions I want to see, and put them all on a list, noting which part of town they’re in. This allows me to pick and choose my own adventure with a modicum of structure (outside of anything that requires a hard reservation). 05 of 06 I Look for the Little Joys This is such a tiny thing, but the difference it makes in my overall travel experience is pretty profound. Keeping my eyes open for little joys and happy moments around me helps me really take in my surroundings, softens my perspective, and it also just makes me feel grateful for being alive. These can be the tiniest things—a sticker on a padlock that says “I like you,” a man carrying an oversized potted plant, the way a doorstep is decorated, a silly phrase written on a cafe board, or a butterfly fluttering around a rose garden. 06 of 06 I Try to Keep Up My Routine Travel introduces so many variables into your day, which is fun until you realize you’re beat, not eating well, and your skin is breaking out. I’ve found that keeping some semblance of my routine intact helps a lot. This means using the same skincare (this is not the time to try a new skincare sample, especially if you don’t know how long you’ve been holding onto it), going to bed around the same time, staying hydrated, getting in my 10 to 20 minutes of nightly reading, and—if possible—working out regularly.